By now, many have noticed that America is growing older at an unprecedented rate. Today, there are more than 35 million Americans age 65 and older, and that number is expected to rise to nearly 55 million by the year 2020—a 65% increase.  Most importantly, however, is the fact that these older adults are overwhelming choosing to stay in their own homes and communities as they age.  Just last year, AARP surveyed Americans over 50 and discovered that 89 percent wanted to stay in their own homes as long as possible.

Since 1989, Partners for Livable Communities has been a leader in raising awareness of the opportunities inherent in the rise of the older adult population.  Developing Livable Communities for All Ages looks beyond the fields of healthcare and social security and explores housing options, economic development, community support systems, and civic engagement.

In the course of this project, Partners has formed partnerships with the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a), the International City and County Management Association (ICMA), the National League of Cities (NLC) and the National Association of Counties (NACo).  Major funding for Aging in Place programs has come from the MetLife Foundation, AARP, and a number of local communities interested in planning for their future.

Launched in 2012, the City Leaders Institute on Aging in Place (CLI) is a one-year, pilot program focused on making local-level changes to facilitate aging in place. This program is funded by the MetLife Foundation and implemented by Partners for Livable Communities (Partners). Read more here.